But they ran into some permitting red tape, so the food truck eventually became a delivery van that's now bringing Wayfare Tavern's signature buttermilk-brined fried chicken and other dishes to cities at residents’ requests, including on the Peninsula. The van stopped in Menlo Park and San Bruno last week and San Carlos over the weekend; it will be in Daly City this Thursday from 5-6 p.m.
Wayfare Tavern's fried chicken delivery truck. Photo via Wayfare Tavern's Instagram.
"We never thought we would have a food truck, let alone such a successful one," said Andrea Boyd, director of sales and events for Wayfare Tavern.
The coronavirus shutdown has forced the restaurant to "move quickly, keep trying new things, be flexible to change course and not to take things personally," she said.
Wayfare Tavern is urging people who want the van to come to their neighborhood to reach out and ask. All the restaurant needs is a place to park the van, a 10-by-10 foot space nearby to set up an area for food pickup and a promise to spread the word to neighbors and friends. In exchange, people who "host" the van in their neighborhoods get a free dinner for them and a friend. If you're interested, email contact@wayfaretavern.com.
The delivery van menu includes Florence's fried chicken — which is cooked in a sous vide machine, soaked in buttermilk and fried in garlic-and-herb-infused oil — plus Caesar salad, ribs, baked macaroni and cheese, broccolini with furikake butter, tiramisu, beer and wine.
All orders must be placed in advance; the van will not take orders on location. Pre-orders can be made the day before starting at 10 a.m. by texting 415-840-8566.
Check Wayfare Tavern's website or Instagram for announcements of the truck's upcoming locations.
